Instagram Lite was a lightweight version of the Instagram app that was designed for users in developing markets who may have limited data plans or slower mobile devices. The app provided the core Instagram experience but in a smaller app package that used less data and took up less storage space on phones.
When was Instagram Lite launched?
Instagram Lite was first launched in December 2016, starting with Android users in Mexico. Over the next couple years it expanded to over 170 countries, providing a streamlined Instagram experience to users around the world with limited data and phone storage.
What features did Instagram Lite have?
Instagram Lite provided access to some of the key features of the main Instagram app, including:
- Browsing the Instagram feed
- Commenting and liking posts
- Posting photos and videos
- Using filters and editing tools
- Sending direct messages
- Viewing profiles and discovering new accounts
However, Instagram Lite did not have all of the same features as the full Instagram app. Some missing features included:
- IGTV
- Shopping on Instagram
- Augmented reality filters and effects
- Certain interactive stickers and polls
By keeping the feature set streamlined, Instagram was able to reduce the app size to under 2MB, compared to over 30MB for the full Instagram app at the time.
Why did Instagram launch a Lite app?
Instagram launched the Lite app to expand its reach to users in emerging markets, particularly countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These markets often face challenges with expensive mobile data, limited storage on devices, and inconsistent network connectivity.
The Lite app provided an Instagram experience that used less data, took up minimal storage space, and was resilient on slower networks. This allowed the company to connect with new demographics in hard-to-reach markets.
When did development on Instagram Lite stop?
Instagram continued to maintain and update Instagram Lite in the years after its launch. However, in early 2022, reports began to surface that the app was no longer being updated. Existing users could still use the app, but no new features were being added.
In April 2022, Instagram officially announced that support for Instagram Lite would be discontinued so they could focus on a single Instagram app experience.
Is Instagram Lite being shut down?
Yes, Instagram has discontinued development of the Lite app and is in the process of slowly sunsetting it. As of October 2022, here is the status of Instagram Lite:
- The app is no longer available for download on the Google Play Store or App Store.
- Existing users can still use Instagram Lite, but the app is no longer being updated with any new features or optimizations.
- Some users have reported bugs or issues with the app, likely due to its lack of support and updates.
- It’s expected that over time, Instagram Lite will stop working entirely as Instagram phases it out.
Why did Instagram end support for the Lite app?
Instagram has not provided an official reason for sunsetting Instagram Lite, but some potential factors may have been:
- Instagram likely wants to consolidate development resources on improving the main Instagram app.
- Maintaining two separate apps with different feature sets can be costly and time-consuming.
- Users now have more access to affordable smartphones with greater storage, reducing need for Lite app.
- Enhancements to Instagram’s data saving features may make a separate Lite app unnecessary.
What are alternatives to Instagram Lite?
If you still need an Instagram experience optimized for limited data and phone storage, here are some options:
Use Instagram’s Data Saver
The main Instagram app has a Data Saver setting which reduces data usage by not automatically loading videos and high-resolution images. This provides some of benefits of the Lite app while using the full-featured Instagram.
Facebook Lite
Facebook offers a Lite version of its main app, which can also be used to access Instagram since the services are connected. Facebook Lite uses less data, is smaller in size, and has streamlined features.
Instagram mobile site
Instagram’s mobile website, instagram.com, provides the core Instagram feed, profile, and sharing functionality in a super stripped-down form that uses minimal data.
Third-party Instagram apps
There are various third party Instagram apps in the App Store and Google Play Store that aim to provide a more limited Instagram experience for low data usage. However, these are not official Instagram apps so quality and safety can vary.
Will Instagram launch a new Lite app?
Instagram has not indicated any plans to launch a new version of Instagram Lite or other streamlined app after sunsetting the original Lite app. It seems they are focused on enhancing Instagram’s speed and performance even on low-end devices.
However, if demand for a Lite version persists among users in emerging markets, it’s possible Instagram could develop a new pared-down app optimized for affordable devices and limited data access at some point in the future.
Conclusion
The discontinuation of Instagram Lite marks the end of an era for the popular photo sharing app. While it served its purpose for several years, providing a pared-down Instagram to millions of users on entry-level smartphones and limited data plans, Instagram is now focused on improving the experience in its main app for all users.
For those who still need to conserve data and storage space when using Instagram, options like Data Saver or third party apps can help fill the void left by Instagram Lite. But the company has made clear the future is one unified Instagram experience across both developed and emerging markets.